Dries Mertens is progressively likely to move away from Napoli on a free transfer in the summer - with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all allegedly competing for his signature. The 32-year-old Belgian will be a free agent in June. He however was not prepared to leave the club a month ago during the winter transfer season as he is very close to break Marek Hamsik's all-time club record as Napoli top scorer. Mertens is as of now only three goals shy of breaking Hamsik's scoring record of 121 goals for the club, yet was unable to find the net in their stunning 3-2 home loss to Lecce on Sunday.
Here we look at the most possible destinations for him in the upcoming window if he decides not to sign a contract: -
Chelsea -
Chelsea were looking for a new striker in the January transfer window and had a £6 million offer for the Belgian dismissed. Mertens was fervently tipped for a move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window as 2nd choice after Tammy Abraham, yet the transfer could not be completed in time. He was not ready to request an exit from the club he has spent the last six-and-a-half years. Be that as it may, Mertens and his wife would be available for a move to London later on.
Manchester United -
Manchester United came into the season without a proper striker, but Rashford and Martial came into character when they were played in the centre. Young talents Greenwood, James also showed their might when given their chances. Ole cannot be a risk-taker anymore and he has to device his strategy in a way where proven talents have to be his go-to material. The signing of Odion Ighalo can be fruitful but a first-team inclusion of Mertens can settle the team.
Arsenal -
Arsenal will also be in the market for options such as Mertens in the summer as they continue to cast a careful eye over their spending. Arsenal Boss, Mikel Arteta may be looking at his first signing to bolster the strike partnership with Aubameyang, or in a situation where Aubameyang leaves. Aubameyang will have only a year remaining on his current contract by the end of this season. While reports have asserted that the striker has just disclosed to Arteta that he needs to leave the side this summer as he needs to join a side ready for winning significant trophies.
As indicated by Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Game Italia, Arsenal are as of now arranging a potential replacement and an underlying approach has been made for Mertens.
Also, Inter Milan seems to be interested in Mertens over bolstering the front line but Chelsea seems the most favourable among the lot. Where do you think Mertens will join?
